Iran and Nigeria have explored opportunities to deepen South-South cooperation and strengthen their engagement within the BRICS framework, as Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, hosted Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, for a working lunch.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on Iran-Nigeria relations, regional and international developments, Nigeria-South Africa relations and emerging opportunities for cooperation among countries of the Global South.

Raja, in a statement at the meeting, said the discussions also focused on “the important role that Iran and Nigeria can play within the BRICS framework.”

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He said both sides exchanged views on the latest developments and emerging issues at the international level, as well as the “considerable potential for strengthening cooperation among countries of the Global South.”

Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, brings extensive political and executive experience to discussions on Nigeria’s regional and international relations.

Raja described him as “a distinguished Nigerian statesman and political figure” with extensive political and executive experience at the highest levels in Nigeria, as well as deep knowledge and a remarkable command of domestic, regional and international affairs.

The ambassador said he enjoyed the discussions with Fani-Kayode, describing the engagement as a “very constructive and substantive exchange of views” on a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

The meeting comes amid renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Iran, particularly in trade, investment, diplomacy, and South-South partnerships, while exploring areas of common interest within the broader Global South.